NBA roundup: Warriors clip Mavs in Klay Thompson’s return
Wed Nov 13 2:21am ET
Field Level Media
Stephen Curry spoiled Klay Thompson's return to San Francisco with a game-high 37 points, including 12 straight during a late flurry that lifted the Golden State Warriors to a 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup opener on Tuesday night.
Thompson turned back the clock with 22 points and Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 52 more, but the Mavericks scored only three points over the final 3:29 after taking a 114-108 lead.
Curry did all the Golden State scoring after that, including an interior hoop that put the Warriors on top for good at 115-114 with 1:50 remaining and a 3-pointer -- followed by his trademark night-night gesture -- to create a four-point lead with 27.5 seconds left.
Quentin Grimes kept Dallas' hopes alive with a 3-pointer six seconds later, but Curry followed that with two free throws before Doncic missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with five seconds remaining.
Knicks 111, 76ers 99
OG Anunoby scored 24 points and Josh Hart recorded a triple-double as New York spoiled Joel Embiid's season debut with a road win over Philadelphia.
After missing six games due to a lingering knee injury and three more following a suspension for shoving a reporter, Embiid returned to the court in a competitive setting for the first time since the Olympics. He played 26 minutes and shot 2 of 11 from the floor, finishing with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Hart finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Paul George had 29 points and 10 rebounds to pace Philadelphia.
Pistons 123, Heat 121 (OT)
Malik Beasley made a go-ahead technical free throw with 1.1 seconds left in overtime and host Detroit escaped with a wild victory over Miami.
Tyler Herro (40 points), who scored the last nine points of regulation, all on 3-pointers, to force overtime, gave the Heat a two-point lead on a bank shot with 1.8 seconds left in the extra session. An alley-oop dunk by Jalen Duren off an inbounds pass tied the score. The Heat called a timeout they didn't have, resulting in the technical and a 122-121 Pistons lead. Beasley then split two free throws after Miami was called for a take foul.
Beasley and Cade Cunningham notched 21 points apiece for Detroit. Herro's 10 3-pointers tied a Heat record and are an NBA Cup single-game record.
Hawks 117, Celtics 116
Jalen Johnson had 18 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals to lead visiting Atlanta to a victory over Boston.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White scored season highs of 37 points and 31 points, respectively, for the Celtics. White was 7 of 12 from 3-point territory and 10 of 15 overall, also adding six rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta took a 117-116 lead when Onyeka Okongwu tipped in a missed shot with 6.1 seconds to play. After each team turned the ball over in the final seconds, Brown missed a 13-foot jumper at the buzzer.
Magic 114, Hornets 89
Franz Wagner pumped in 32 points as Orlando cruised past visiting Charlotte.
Moritz Wagner scored 18 points off the bench and Jalen Suggs tallied all 17 of his points in the first half for Orlando, which has its first three-game winning streak of the season. Franz Wagner made 14 of 25 shots from the field as the Magic shot 46.2 percent overall.
LaMelo Ball's 35 points and Grant Williams' 15 points paced the Hornets, who have lost two straight games. Ball, who sank six shots from 3-point range, ended up with seven assists and six rebounds.
Bucks 99, Raptors 85
Giannis Antetokounmpo led five Milwaukee scorers in double figures in overcoming a monster night from Gradey Dick to beat visiting Toronto.
Bobby Portis had 17 points off the bench for the Bucks. Milwaukee played without star guard Damian Lillard (concussion protocol). He could return for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.
Dick, the 20-year-old second-year pro from Kansas, finished with a career-high 32 points. Teammate Jakob Poeltl scored 13 points and had eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, but the Raptors fell for the fifth straight game.
Suns 120, Jazz 112
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal combined to make 9 of 16 3-pointers en route to 31 and 24 points, respectively, and Phoenix downed Utah in Salt Lake City.
Mason Plumlee recorded a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds while starting in place of an injured Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) for Phoenix, which was also without All-NBA forward Kevin Durant due to a calf strain.
Jordan Clarkson's 4-of-9 night led Utah to 15-of-38 shooting (39.5 percent) from 3-point range. Clarkson finished with 16 points off the bench. Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski added 18 points off the bench, and Lauri Markkanen scored 17.
Trail Blazers 122, Timberwolves 108
Jerami Grant scored 21 points and Robert Williams III added 19 as Portland beat visiting Minnesota.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Trail Blazers, who made a season-high 18 3-pointers and snapped a three-game losing streak.
Naz Reid came off the bench to lead the Timberwolves with a season-high 28 points. Anthony Edwards scored 26 for Minnesota, which committed 23 turnovers.
- NBA roundup: Wolves limit Lakers to 80 points
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks
- Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) out 2-3 weeks
- Nuggets' Russell Westbrook fined $35K for obscene gesture
- NBA roundup: Rockets edge Thunder in battle of top 2 West teams
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double lifts Bucks to 6th straight win
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Clippers
- NBA roundup: Hawks send Cavs to first home loss
- NBA roundup: Damian Lillard hoists banged-up Bucks over Heat
- NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis returns as Celtics club Clippers
- Suns expect Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to play vs. Lakers
- G Ja Morant set to return Monday for Grizzlies
- Rockets G Fred VanVleet fined $50K for late-game outburst
- Pelicans G Dejounte Murray to return Wednesday
- Kristaps Porzingis to make season debut Monday
- NBA roundup: Heat turn back Mavericks in OT
- Hornets F Grant Williams (knee) out for season
- NBA roundup: LaMelo Ball scores 50 in Hornets' loss to Bucks
- Clippers leading scorer Norman Powell to miss third game
- NBA roundup: Warriors first to clinch group in NBA Cup
Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists and 13 rebounds in a 128-102 win over the Nets on Monday, Dec. 2.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hip) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Watson is dealing with an adductor issue but it hasn't forced him to miss any time. Watson has been seeing additional minutes while filling in for Aaron Gordon, who's been dealing with calf issues, but with Gordon's return on Sunday night Watson will be at risk of losing minutes going forward. In Gordon's return on Sunday Watson was still able to play 28 minutes in a start, but if Gordon is back in the starting lineup then the 22-year-old will be at risk of losing minutes. Fantasy managers should keep their eyes open for any news about the Nuggets' starting lineup on Tuesday before making any decisions about starting or sitting Watson.
Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (leg) has been ruled out of Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Filipowski will now miss his sixth straight game as he deals with a lower leg issue. The rookie has been okay in limited minutes, averaging 7.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 19 minutes per game this season. With Filipowski continuing to miss time, expect more minutes overall from Jazz big men Walker Kessler and John Collins. Off the bench, expect Drew Eubanks to get some minutes but he likely won't have a big impact overall. Kessler and Collins will make much stronger fantasy options for those in need.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Gordon had missed 10 games dealing with a calf issue but was able to return on Sunday night against the Clippers. Gordon put up 10 points in nearly 24 minutes of action in his first game back as he came off the bench for the Nuggets. If he's feeling better it won't be a surprise to see him return to the starting lineup given Denver's defensive struggles this season. The 29-year-old also excelled against the Warriors last season, averaging 19.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should keep an eye out for any news on an expected start for Gordon as it would greatly increase his value in both formats.
Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will miss his fifth straight game on Tuesday as he continues to battle plantar fasciitis in his left foot. While Clarkson has been sidelined, Keyonte George and Collin Sexton have carried more work in the backcourt while rookie Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang have been able to get expanded time off the bench. Juzang had 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in his 16 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, and he'll remain an interesting punt play for DFS contests.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Caruso has been dealing with a hip strain that's caused him to miss five straight games now. The 30-year-old has brought value to the Thunder, though it hasn't translated much into fantasy value. His continued absence won't mean much to fantasy managers. Expect Aaron Wiggins to continue getting minutes off the bench for OKC. Wiggins has averaged 9.4 PPG and is a better fantasy option than Caruso, but neither will be a great option in the long run.
Raptors guard Gradey Dick (calf) was able to participate in practice on Monday and could be ready to return from a four-game absence on Tuesday as the Raptors welcome in Indiana in an NBA Emirates Cup matchup that will have no impact since both teams have already been eliminated from advancing. Dick is averaging 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per game so far this season. Ja'Kobe Walter has started the last three games in his place and made a great impression. Dick will likely return to the lineup when healthy, but Walter could remain involved off the bench.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets. Curry has been dealing with knee issues that caused him to miss one game last week, though he was back on the court on Saturday against the Suns. Curry has been a strong start this season, averaging 22.5 PPG while shooting 43.4% from three. With Denver's struggles on defense this season, the 36-year-old may be in for a big night against the Nuggets. Fantasy managers in all leagues need to ensure Curry's in their starting lineups.
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) returned to the Pacers' lineup on Sunday, but he's uncertain to play Tuesday when the Pacers visit Toronto. In his return, he played just 15 minutes but looked sharp with 14 points, four assists, two steals, two three-pointers, and two rebounds. Nembhard could be ready for an increased workload if he plays on Tuesday, but if he needs more time to recover, Quenton Jackson would likely return to the starting lineup in his spot. Jackson started the second half in Nembhard's place on Sunday so that Nembhard could close, but the game turned into a blowout keeping Nembhard's minutes so low.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Suns have been managing Beal's calf injury and should be good to go on Tuesday after missing Saturday's game against Golden State. The 31-year-old has been very solid for the Suns when active, averaging 18.2 PPG. With all three of the Suns' big three healthy, expect good things out of the Suns on Tuesday. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should all aim to have Beal in their lineups.
Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) has been sidelined since November 17 with an ankle issue, and it looked like he would miss Tuesday's game as well. However, he was upgraded to questionable and could be ready to rejoin the Cavs' bench. He was in Cleveland's second unit for his last six games, producing 3.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while playing 19.7 minutes per game. While he has been out, Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang have played expanded roles, and they will have their roles reduced when Wade returns. All three have struggled to produce many impact games, though, when the Cavs are at full strength.
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (thigh) is listed as out for Tuesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Nurkic is dealing with a thigh contusion that's forced him to miss two games now. The Suns' big man has battled injuries this season and this will be his fourth contest overall he's been unable to suit up for. In his absence, expect Mason Plumlee to get the start. Plumlee has not been a great offensive threat, only scoring in double-digits once in his four starts in Nurkic's place. Instead, he will drive more value from a rebounding perspective. Fantasy managers needing help with rebounds should consider adding Plumlee.
76ers guard Kyle Lowry (hip) appears to be on the verge of returning to the floor for Philly on Tuesday's game in Charlotte. Lowry has missed the last five games with a right hip strain, but before that, he was a regular fixture in the starting lineup. Lowry averaged 6.2 points, 3.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game while starting 10 of his 13 games. With Tyrese Maxey back from his injury and the emergence of rookie Jared McCain, Lowry could play a reduced role even when he's healthy.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (quad) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Pistons. Prince is dealing with a right quad contusion but it isn't hindering his abilities enough to hold him out. The 30-year-old is leading the league in three-point percentage, hitting threes at a 54.2% clip though at a fairly limited volume. He went three-for-eight against Detroit in their last meeting, showing the potential for a higher ceiling against the Pistons. He also grabbed 10 rebounds in that game, well above his season average of 4.6 RPG. He makes an intriguing DFS option for Tuesday night that DFS players should consider.
76ers guard Reggie Jackson (knee) is probable for Tuesday's NBA Emirates Cup matchup in Charlotte. Jackson missed Saturday's game in Detroit but had been playing significant minutes off the bench before the injury. Jackson had seven points and matched his season-high with four assists in 12 minutes against the Clippers. With Kyle Lowry (hip) also probable, the Sixers' backcourt will be crowded for this matchup with Charlotte, making both veterans hard to count on for fantasy purposes.
Milwaukee Bucks guard MarJon Beauchamp (hamstring) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Beauchamp is dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that's affected his ability to suit up this year. The 24-year-old has missed eight of the Bucks' 19 games this season and has averaged just 1.6 PPG. He's not getting many minutes off the bench, only having two games where he's been on the floor for five or more minutes. With Milwaukee's other options at guard all being relatively healthy, don't expect Beauchamp to make any realistic impact on Tuesday.
76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) was listed as probable for Tuesday's matchup against his former team, the Hornets. Martin has started 15 of his 16 games for the Sixers this season but missed the last two games with upper back soreness. He was limited in his most recent game but averaged 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while logging 33.3 minutes per contest. Martin will likely return to the starting five, and he could either replace Kelly Oubre Jr. or Andre Drummond (ankle), who has already been ruled out.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Tuesday night's matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Antetokounmpo has been dealing with a knee swelling issue that caused him to miss one game last week, though he returned on Saturday and put up 42 against the Washington Wizards. Expect a huge night from The Greek Freak on Tuesday against the Pistons. In his only matchup against Detroit this season he put up a season high 59 points to go along with 14 rebounds and seven assists. He's a must start in all formats.
Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) has missed the first 20 games of the season, but he was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game with the 76ers. Williams has not played in an NBA game since December 8 of last year when a back injury cut short his second NBA season. In his 19 games before the injury, Williams averaged 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.7 minutes per game. He rehabbed his back but picked up a foot injury in training camp that has kept him sidelined. He can be excellent when healthy at full strength, but he'll likely be playing severely limited minutes after such a long layoff.
Hornets guard Tre Mann (back) will miss his sixth straight game on Tuesday when the Hornets face the Sixers in Charlotte. With both Mann and LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks, the Hornets will rely on Vasilije Micic to run point and Brandon Miller to pick up heavy usage. Micic has started the last two games for the Hornets, both narrow defeats. In his first start, he had nine points and eight assists in 31 minutes against the Knicks, and he followed that with 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists against the Hawks. Micic is a solid play for as long as Mann and Ball are sidelined.
